Srinagar, Feb 23: J&K has recorded a decline in both Swine Flu cases and deaths over the past seven years, according to the Union Health Ministry tracking seasonal influenza under its Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).
The Health Ministry, through its IDSP, has meticulously tracked the virus’s impact over the years, revealing a fluctuating yet significant pattern in the region.
As per the ministry’s figures, 2018 saw 77 reported cases of H1N1 in Jammu & Kashmir, with 14 tragic deaths. However, the real spike came in 2019, when the virus gripped the region with 447 cases and 27 deaths—the highest toll in the past seven years.
As Covid-19 dominated global healthcare systems in 2020, a surprising shift occurred in H1N1 trend. Only 106 cases were reported that year, with no recorded deaths.
In 2021, the numbers dropped drastically to just four cases, a stark contrast to the previous years. Experts believe that widespread mask-wearing, social distancing, and increased health precautions against Covid-19 indirectly curbed the spread of influenza as well.
With the easing of pandemic restrictions in 2022, influenza cases slowly resurfaced. That year recorded 69 cases and three deaths, followed by 39 cases in 2023, with no fatalities.
However, 2024 saw a slight uptick with 53 cases and one death (till October), reminding health officials that the virus still lingers in the shadows.
Health experts cautioned against complacency, emphasising that fluctuations in H1N1 cases highlight the need for continued surveillance, timely vaccinations, and public awareness. They stressed the importance of vigilance against seasonal influenza.
Officials opine that the relatively low number of cases over these years did not mean that there would be fewer cases adding there could be a possible winter spike.
They said the use of masks and social distancing have also contributed to declining swine flu cases as it was a respiratory infection.
